Together we seek to inspire and prepare youth to engage in science, mathematics, technology and engineering – now and in the future.

STEM FUNDERS NETWORK

Together we are increasing the knowledge and expertise of grantmakers investing in STEM.

Since 2012, the STEM Funders Network has provided member foundations and businesses who are engaged in STEM related educational investments the framework and support services to learn from one another and collaborate for greater impact by leveraging resources, ideas and leadership.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

WHAT WE DO

We provide resources and support professional learning which will help teachers, parents and out-of-school providers better inspire and prepare our youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) so they will be equipped for the skills needed in the workforce of today and the future.

THE STEM OPPORTUNITY AND CHALLENGE

Over the last few decades, the United States has seen a demonstrated decline in its students’ ability to compete with other developed countries on the essential skills associated with STEM learning. This trend needs to be reversed if our prosperity and competitiveness in the global market is to be maintained. Our learning environments must also accommodate the changing demographics of our country. Girls, low-income youth and youth of color face barriers persevering in STEM-related courses and careers.

Progress has been made over the past decade such as the development and adoption of common mathematics and science standards, selected improvements in math and science teaching, the emergence of STEM schools and new partnerships among afterschool and summer learning programs and schools around STEM learning. But more must be done to transform our approach to STEM so that we inspire and prepare more young people to enter the STEM disciplines. Whatever career path they choose, quality STEM experiences equip all youth with the skills they need to succeed in college, career and life.

We grapple with the challenges of scaling and sustaining good ideas. We need to better coordinate and communicate across many sectors– public and private, federal and state, research and practice, in-school and out-of-school, and across the kindergarten through higher education pipeline.